Frankonia over 160 years of tradition

Founding

Burschenschaft Frankonia zu Heidelberg was founded on 15 November 1856. Its roots extend back to an earlier Frankonia fraternity formed in 1833 with the participation of Joseph Viktor von Scheffel. Our maxim is “United and Loyal” and we bear the colours “gold black red gold” and “black red black” for our youngest members.

Frankonia’s residence

The first plans for the construction of a fraternity house are formed during the glittering 500th anniversary celebrations of “Ruperto-Carola” (today “the Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg”) and Frankonia’s own 30th anniversary. With the generous contributions of a number of Frankonia alumni, these plans were later able to be realised, and in 1893, Frankonia’s mansion opened its doors. The inaugural speech was held by Frankonia member and governing mayor of Hamburg, Johann Georg Mönckeberg.

Compulsory dissolution

In 1936, like all other student fraternities, Frankonia was banned by the National Socialists. During the Second World War, the members of Frankonia continued Frankonia’s traditions under the name “Kameradschaft Viktor von Scheffel”.

Founded anew

Where there’s an (iron) will, there is also a way: Frankonia is founded anew as a fraternity (Burschenschaft) in 1950. After lengthy and difficult negotiations, we were able to reclaim our fraternity house in 1952.

100 years of Frankonia

In 1956, Frankonia celebrated one hundred years of history together with over 500 guests.

Residence

In 1984, the doors opened in our new residence facility next to our fraternity mansion.

Independence

On 21 January 2012, the student and alumni members of Frankonia voted together to withdraw from the fraternity parent organisation Deutsche Burschenschaft (DB). As of that date, Frankonia became an independent fraternity (Burschenschaft) – and remains so today.

This is who we are.

We are Frankonia Heidelberg the oldest Burschenschaft fraternity in the region. A student community that has tied together generations of academics in all subjects for about 160 years and which gives rise to lifelong friendships. A community that supports and enriches the studies of its members. A network of contacts throughout many generations that prizes solidarity and cohesion.